Meyer happy with first outing

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer was pleased with his team’s 47-13 win over a star-studded World XV at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

The Springboks scored six tries and gained a lot of momentum in the second half of the match, going into the second 40 minutes leading 18—13. This bodes well for next week’s test match against Wales in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.

Meyer warned that the test match in Durban will be another big step-up for his team, as Wales are a settled team after playing together during the Six Nations.

“Wales will be well prepared,” said Meyer. “They are a quality side with big backs which will give them go forward ball. They also played together in the Six Nations, while we are just starting out.”

The coach was happy with a number of aspects of his team’s play and feels they will be much better prepared with another week of training.

“This match was important to us, because we have to play together as a team to become better. I believe we are a very dangerous team when we play with quick ball and that was something that I was unhappy about at the break. I had some harsh words for the players about the penalties conceded in the first half.

“In the second half we applied ourselves better at the breakdown and we scored some very good tries. To score six, seven tries against a side with the quality of this World XV is very pleasing.”

The Springboks depart for Durban on Sunday with no immediate injury concerns.

“There are no injuries, and that is great news for us,” said the coach. “We also scored some great tries with a number of them coming from the training fields, so I am happy. We knew it was going to be tough and we came though well.”

Springbok captain, Victor Matfield, who returned to team for the first time since 2011, said the side improved nicely as the game progressed.

“In the beginning we did not execute well, but once we managed to get into their half, we played well,” said Matfield. “It was a very good World XV, which gave us a lot of problems in the beginning.

“On a personal level it was good to be back playing for the Springboks again. It always remains a massive honour.”